Hi there! This is a tutorial on how to make the pinched flowers shown above. This was the first time I made my own flower! I wanted to create a flower that resembles and combines two types of Prima flowers that I have. So I studied each flower and this is what I came up with. Before I go on, I would just like to say that I only began scrapping again in July 2010, so I really haven't had the opportunity to see many flower tutorials. From what I understand there are A LOT of flower tutorials out there. So I apologize if a similar flower already exists.

(For this tutorial I am using colorful die cuts to help distinguish each layer.)

First, ink the edges of all of your flower layers. Now take a look at the 4 cutouts on top. Notice how there isn't much of a gap between each petal. If your cutout does not have a gap between the petals, cut a small slit in between each petal. (I made some markings on the first cutout to show you the approximate length of each slit.) The (2) smaller cutouts already have spaces between each petal so there is no need to cut any slits in my case, but if needed, cut slits in the two smaller layers as well.

STEP1: Begin working with one of the medium-sized cutouts. This will be the bottom layer of your flower (Layer 1). Using your tweezers, pinch the right side of one petal and gently twist inward towards the center of the petal. Place your finger on the edge of the petal to hold it down while twisting.

STEP 2: Pinch the left side of the same petal and twist inward toward the center of the petal. You have now completed what I call a 'double pinch and twist'. Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 on all petals of the Layer 1.

STEP 3: Place the bottom layer in the palm of your hand and gently push down in the center of the layer to create an indentation. You will notice that the petals will pop up sightly, creating a cup-like form.

STEP 4: Take your next layer (Layer 2) and remove one petal. Put the petal aside for later use.

STEP 5: Position your tweezers in the middle of each petal and pinch and twist. It doesn't matter which way you twist. This is what I call the 'single pinch and twist'. Repeat this step on each petal of this layer.

STEP 6: Apply a line of glue along one of the cut edges.

STEP 7: Overlap the two cut edges and hold until the glue dries. (This is why a fast-drying glue is best for flower making.) I know some people prefer to overlap an entire petal rather than just the edges, but I hate to waste the extra petal. It adds a little extra fullness to the flower. Once it is dry, snip off the bottom part of the layer that looks like a cone. This helps the layer sit flat when we begin to assemble our flower.

STEP 8: Take your 3rd layer and remove two petals.

STEP 9: Curl back both the right side and left side of each petal using your skewer.

STEP 10: Apply a line of glue along one of the cut edges.

STEP 11: Overlap the cut edges and hold together until dry. Snip off the bottom of the layer.

STEP 12: Take your last medium-sized layer (Layer 4) and remove two petals.

STEP 13: Curl back the top edge of each petal.

STEP 14: Using your fingers, pinch each petal to create a crease down the center.

STEP 15: Apply a dab glue along one of the cut edges. Overlap the cut edges and snip off the bottom of the layer.

STEP 16: Take the two smaller layers and give each petal a single pinch and twist. (Refer to step 5)

This is what your layers should look like so far.

STEP 17: Take Layer 1 and apply adhesive to the center. Add Layer 2 to the first layer and off-set the petals slightly. Your petals may not 'off-set' perfectly because we are keeping that 'extra petal' that I described in step 7. That's ok because it makes the flower more interesting and natural.

STEP 18: Apply another dab of glue to the center of your flower and add layer 3. Again, play with the layers so that the petals are slightly off-set. You may notice your layers popping up as you try to assemble your flower. Simply use the back of your skewer to push down the layers and flatten the center of the flower.

STEP 19: Add layer 4 using the same process described above. Also, add one of the smaller layers to the top of layer 4. Use your skewer to push all of the layers down.

STEP 20: Take the petal that we cut out of layer 2 and snip off the pointy bottom.

STEP 21: Roll the petal around your skewer. (Do this while holding the petal and skewer in your fingers. I wasn't able to do so while taking the picture so I placed it down on my mat. )

STEP 22: Take your last (small) layer and flip it over. Apply adhesive to the backside of this layer.

STEP 23: Fold all of the petals upward and place the rolled up petal in the center. Squeeze the petals to form a little cup-like shape. If you would like a fuller center, you can add more rolled up petals to the center of your flower.

STEP 24: Glue the flower center in the middle of all of your layers... and you're done! You can embellish with Stickles or add glitter or beads to the center of your flower. Try adding some leaves to the bottom of the flower as well. Have fun with it! Once you make a few of these flowers, the process is much easier and quicker. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it useful. If you decide to try these flowers, please send me a picture or a link so that I can see your work!

DESIGN TIP: For a slightly fuller flower, add another 'LAYER 1' to the bottom of your flower.

To see the entire layout where I used this technique, click on the link below.A Perfect Pair

Excellent tutorial! It was very easy to follow. I'm using it with 'silk' flowers, since I never bought the paper ones. I have way too many silk flowers, so I've been using them for everything. My question is, how do you put these 3D flowers etc. in a page protector and album without them being smashed or the album being too bulky? I'd love to use these in an album or card, but that question hasn't been answered as far as I know, so I'm really curious! If I don't find out, my 4 granddaughters will just have to have more hair pretties....lol!thanks,Renae from Orlando

@AnonymousHi Renae! My layouts fit fine in page protectors. However, I don't use albums because they don't hold much because my layouts have a lot of depth to them. I store my layouts in boxes instead. Some I have on my walls on a Clip it Up Swinging Wall Arm. Thanks for your comment! :o)